Last month, SoftBank‘s series of commercials depicting several classic anime characters all grown up premiered. The ads star Kyoko Koizumi (Tokyo Sonata, Hanging Garden) as Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon), the proprietess at Moon Ribar an atmospheric rooftop bar. She’s assisted by Maruko-chan (Chibi Maruko-chan, played by Suzu Hirose) and welcomes guests like Fist of the North Star‘s Kenshiro (famous Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō XI), Obocchama-kun (played by Shinnosuke Mitsushima), Duke “Golgo 13” Tōgō (played by Fumiyo Kohinata), Joe Yabuki (Ashita no Joe, played by comedian Naoki Matayoshi) and Astro Boy himself, played by Masato Sakai (Honey and Clover).
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Ramen shop manager arrested for punching self in the face and pretending he was robbed
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
“Office lady in heels walking on tatami”: The mysterious world of Japanese fetishism
Japanese swimsuit models and cosplayers celebrate Bikini Day 2017【Photos】
Everyday Japanese names that make English speakers chuckle
Starbucks Japan unveils new Sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2025
Two Americans decide to hike Mt. Fuji before trails open, both need rescues on back-to-back days
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
“Office lady in heels walking on tatami”: The mysterious world of Japanese fetishism
Japanese swimsuit models and cosplayers celebrate Bikini Day 2017【Photos】
Everyday Japanese names that make English speakers chuckle
Starbucks Japan unveils new Sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2025
Two Americans decide to hike Mt. Fuji before trails open, both need rescues on back-to-back days
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese
Our Japanese language reporter visits a U.K. sushi chain, is blown away by its original “sushi”
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
“Farts of Beautiful Women” festival returns to Shinjuku this March, farting rap battle added
Anime and video game backgrounds now free to download for video conference calls
Studio Ghibli wind chime adds anime charm to the summer breeze
Pokémon menstrual pads appear in Japan【Photos】
Bacha Coffee opens in Japan…but is it worth the hype?